Lawmakers introduce bill to make women register for draft

February 4, 2016

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two Republican congressmen who are military veterans have introduced a bill requiring women to register for the draft.

Reps. Duncan Hunter of California and Ryan Zinke of Montana announced Thursday that the legislation is aimed at provoking a fuller discussion of the Pentagon’s decision to open all combat jobs to women.

Hunter and Zinke say the decision ignores research from the Marine Corps and special operations forces. They also say the decision was made without considering whether women should be drafted and potentially serve on the front lines.

Hunter says it’s unfortunate the Draft America’s Daughters Act had to be introduced and he might even vote against his own bill.

U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms Third Class Danielle Hinchliff, left, and Master-at-Arms Third Class Anna Schnatzmeyer listen during training in 2013. (Gerry Broome / AP, file)

U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms Third Class Danielle Hinchliff, left, and Master-at-Arms Third Class Anna Schnatzmeyer listen during training in 2013. (Gerry Broome / AP, file)